I have always heard this but never really stopped to think about this to actually understand the principle behind this blessing: “‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” (Acts 20:35, NAS)
I read this verse and did a little study on it last week. But instead of applying it to material things, I actually was thinking about how much it is more blessed to give forgiveness than to receive forgiveness. Somehow the Holy Spirit led me to read Luke 6 in connection with this verse, especially verses 30-38.
“’Give to everyone who asks of you, and whoever takes away what is yours, do not demand it back. Treat others the same way you want them to treat you. If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. If you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners in order to receive back the same amount. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Do not judge, and you will not be judged; and do not condemn, and you will not be condemned; pardon, and you will be pardoned. Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure—pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return.’” (Luke 6:30–38, NAS)
Isn’t it a little different to read these verses thinking about forgiveness instead of material things?